Saks Fifth Avenue, the iconic New York-based luxury department store, is officially entering the Indian market in 2025 through a landmark franchise partnership with retail titan Reliance Retail. This move targets India’s booming ultra-luxury segment, highlighting the country’s evolving position as a pivotal destination for global prestige retail investments.
Introducing American Ultra-Luxury, Curated for India
With the inaugural Saks Fifth Avenue India department store planned to open in 2025, Indian shoppers will access the brand’s signature blend of expertly curated designer fashion, beauty, and homeware alongside exclusive client services that define the Saks experience. This will be the brand’s first store in the country, representing a new era for Indian luxury.
Growing Appetite for Prestige: Why India, Why Now?
India’s luxury market is currently valued at more than $8 billion, with leading analysts predicting it will become one of the world’s fastest-growing luxury consumer markets by 2030. This context shapes the Saks/Reliance push—bringing to India the elevated discovery and service-rich format for which Saks Fifth Avenue is known in its 41 North American stores.
Reliance Retail, one of India’s most influential retail conglomerates, has recently accelerated its ultra-premium push through its Premium Brands portfolio, securing exclusive partnerships with iconic houses such as Tiffany & Co., Sandro, and Mothercare PLC, and expanding its international restaurant, jewelry, fashion, and lifestyle footprint.
The Saks Experience: What to Expect in India
- Curated luxury: The new stores will feature designer ready-to-wear, accessories, fine jewelry, timepieces, home décor, and beauty from the world’s most coveted brands.
- Signature services: High-touch amenities such as private styling suites, personal shoppers, white-glove delivery, in-store lounges, trunk shows, and events
- Omnichannel vision: Integration of Saks’ digital platforms for click-and-collect, loyalty, and exclusive Indian e-commerce launches
- Exclusive events: Fashion experiences, VIP previews, and global designer debuts tailored for the Indian ultra-luxury audience
Saks Fifth Avenue’s global philosophy of modern luxury with highly personalized service will anchor all India locations, adapting for culturally specific events, designer collaborations, and client engagement.
Reliance Retail: Cementing Ownership of India’s Luxury Space
This venture places Reliance at the vanguard of India’s luxury revolution. The company, as of FY25, operates the largest network of premium and luxury mono-brand boutiques in India and continues to drive consumer awareness for international labels, especially in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.
Recent accomplishments include:
- Mothercare JV for children’s retail
- First Tiffany & Co. and Sandro boutiques
- Cafe and restaurant brand launches, including London’s EL&N Café
- Crossing Rs 8,000 crore in consumer brand revenues in just nine months of FY25
Reliance Brands Limited (RBL), the premium/luxury arm behind the Saks partnership, is expected to extend the same localized expertise that has made prior luxury launches successful.
Sector Impact: What Saks Means for Indian Shoppers
The arrival of Saks Fifth Avenue as a department store in India marks a major shift in the market:
- Expands options for the rising class of HNWI and global shoppers within India
- Supports job creation, premium retail infrastructure, and fashion/cultural exchange
- Raises the bar for service, personal shopping, and exclusive access compared to existing luxury mall anchors
- Adds competitive edge and international cachet to top retail corridors—from Mumbai and Delhi to Bangalore and beyond
Leadership, Legacy, and Forward Vision
Saks Fifth Avenue, established in 1924 and now with over 41 stores, is famed for representing creative innovation and prestige in luxury for over a century. This next chapter—meeting the needs of the world’s fastest-growing ultra-luxury consumer base—cements Saks’ place as a global fashion and retail leader.
For Reliance Retail, the franchise is another capstone of a year defined by international deals and fast growth, reflecting a commitment to “complementing Indian consumer aspirations with the world’s best brands” and strategic flexibility in meeting India’s future retail needs.
